Microsoft has just responded to Google's move regarding Exchange ActiveSync. Sadly, instead of addressing the very real problems consumers are about to face, Microsoft starts talking about switching to Outlook.com.

Why is it so wrong with Microsoft profiting off of the development of their own closed (but almost universally accepted) standard? Is this so much worse then Google making proprietary modifications to open standards (i.e. IMAP) and profiting from the work of others?

Step 1: Use your monopoly in one area (OSs) to trick suckers into using your products (and your own closed standards)
Step 2: Use your closed standards to make it hard for users to switch to any competitors product (or, use vendor lock in to prevent fair competition)
Step 3: When anything happens that might convince users to leave anyway, try to get the suckers locked into a different product of yours that also prevents fair competition.